Sip and Savor the Best Food and Wine Tours Around the World

Picture this: strolling through the vineyards of Tuscany, sipping on a glass of Chianti, or enjoying a plate of fresh seafood with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand. Dreamy, right? Food and wine tours are the perfect way to experience a destination, where tasting the local cuisine and wines becomes an adventure of its own. If you’re a foodie or wine lover, get ready – this post is all about the best places around the world to sip, savor, and explore!

What You’ll Get From This Post:

In this blog, we’re diving into the world of food and wine tours. I’ll share why they’re a must-do experience, and take you through seven incredible spots around the world to add to your foodie travel bucket list. Ready to sip and savor? Let’s get to it!

Why Food and Wine Tours Are Amazing

1. You get a true taste of the culture.
   Instead of just snapping pictures of landmarks, food and wine tours let you literally taste a place. Whether it’s a rich Bordeaux in France or fresh pasta in Italy, you’re sampling the heart and soul of the region.

2. Local guides do the heavy lifting.
   These tours aren’t just about eating and drinking (though that’s a big part of it); you’ll get local guides who know the best spots and can share the history, traditions, and culture behind what you’re tasting.

3. It’s a social experience.
   Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, you’ll find yourself chatting with fellow food and wine enthusiasts as you bond over a shared love of great flavors.

7 Must-Visit Food and Wine Tours Around the World

1. Tuscany, Italy – Chianti Wine and Food Safari

Why You’ll Love It:
Ah, Tuscany – the rolling hills, the sun-drenched vineyards, the wine that’s practically a love letter in a glass. The Chianti region in Tuscany is famous for its red wines, olive oils, and hearty dishes. On this tour, you’ll visit family-run wineries, taste fresh pasta with local truffles, and indulge in artisan cheeses. Plus, many tours offer stops at picturesque towns like San Gimignano and Siena, so it’s not just about the wine – it’s about soaking up all of Tuscany.

Pro Tip: Book a food and wine safari that includes a traditional cooking class – so you can recreate those mouth-watering meals at home.

2. Napa Valley, USA – Napa Valley Wine Train

Why You’ll Love It:
No need to fly overseas for amazing food and wine – Napa Valley is right in California’s backyard. The Napa Valley Wine Train offers a unique experience where you’ll sip wine aboard a vintage train as it rolls through the valley’s beautiful vineyards. You’ll enjoy multi-course meals made with fresh, local ingredients while sampling some of the region’s best wines.

Pro Tip: Opt for the “Legacy Tour” which includes stops at some of Napa’s most iconic wineries for tastings.

3. Bordeaux, France – Bordeaux Wine Trails

Why You’ll Love It:
Bordeaux is synonymous with top-tier wine, and this tour lives up to the region’s reputation. You’ll visit grand châteaux, taste full-bodied reds and crisp whites, and pair them with traditional French dishes like duck confit and local cheeses. The best part? You’ll learn all about Bordeaux’s famous wine classification system and the history of its vineyards.

Pro Tip: Some tours offer a river cruise along the Garonne River, allowing you to wine and dine as you float through the stunning Bordeaux countryside.

4. Mendoza, Argentina – Malbec Wine Experience

Why You’ll Love It:
Mendoza is the king of Malbec, and this wine tour lets you dive into the rich world of Argentine wine and food. You’ll explore vineyards at the base of the Andes, taste bold reds, and indulge in Argentine barbecue (asado) paired with rich wines. If you’re a fan of meat and wine (who isn’t?), this is a can’t-miss tour.

Pro Tip: Consider booking a biking wine tour where you cycle between vineyards – it’s a great way to soak in the views and get some fresh air between tastings!

5. Douro Valley, Portugal – Douro Wine Tour

Why You’ll Love It:
Douro Valley is the birthplace of Port wine and is one of the most stunning wine regions in the world. The terraced vineyards along the Douro River are like something out of a painting. On a wine tour here, you’ll get to taste rich Port wines, explore historic wineries, and pair it all with local delicacies like cured ham and artisan cheese.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip a boat tour along the Douro River – it offers some of the best views of the valley’s terraced vineyards.

6. Marlborough, New Zealand – Sauvignon Blanc Trail

Why You’ll Love It:
If you’re a white wine lover, Marlborough’s Sauvignon Blanc is world-renowned for a reason. This region in New Zealand is famous for its crisp, fruity wines that pair perfectly with the region’s fresh seafood. Many tours combine wine tastings with trips to local oyster farms, where you can enjoy the ultimate food and wine pairing.

Pro Tip: Make sure to visit a winery that offers a garden-to-table experience, where everything you eat is locally sourced and perfectly paired with the region’s best wines.

7. Barossa Valley, Australia – Barossa Shiraz and Wine Tour

Why You’ll Love It:
Barossa Valley is known for its rich Shiraz, and this tour will have you tasting some of the best wines Australia has to offer. You’ll visit historic vineyards, meet winemakers, and pair the wines with classic Aussie dishes like lamb and kangaroo. Barossa is all about bold flavors and big personalities – both in the wine and the food.

Pro Tip: Try a wine blending workshop, where you get to blend your own bottle of wine to take home as a delicious souvenir.

How to Pick the Right Food and Wine Tour

With so many incredible options out there, how do you choose the right one? Here are some quick tips:

1. Decide on your wine preference.
   If you’re a fan of big reds, regions like Bordeaux or Mendoza are perfect. Prefer whites? Head to Marlborough or Napa.

2. Check for extras.
   Some tours offer more than just tastings – like cooking classes, bike rides, or river cruises. Choose one that offers experiences that match your style.

3. Look at the group size.
   If you’re looking for an intimate experience, opt for a small group tour. Larger tours can be fun and social, but smaller ones often allow for more personal interactions with guides and winemakers.

FAQs: Food and Wine Tours

Q: Are food and wine tours family-friendly?
Some tours are, especially those focused on food. However, many wine tours require participants to be 18 or 21+, depending on the country. Be sure to check in advance.

Q: How much should I expect to spend?
Costs can vary widely depending on the destination and length of the tour. Some tours start at around $100, while multi-day luxury experiences can run into the thousands.

Q: Can I join a food and wine tour if I don’t drink alcohol?
Yes! Many tours focus heavily on the food aspect as well, so you can still enjoy the culinary experience even if you skip the wine tastings.

Ready to Sip and Savor?

So, which of these amazing food and wine tours will you book first? Whether you’re craving the rolling vineyards of Tuscany or the sun-drenched shores of Douro Valley, there’s a food and wine tour out there waiting for you. Get ready to sip, savor, and enjoy the world one delicious bite (and sip) at a time!

Want more travel and foodie tips? Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for the latest in travel guides, recipes, and more!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Enjoy exclusive special deals available only to our subscribers.

More Activities